Vernon Elementary School Veterans Day Program

Vernon- It was a big day for Vernon Middle School students Monday, as the school hosted their annual Veterans Day program

"I come every year," Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sargent, Billy Harcus said. "This is one of the best programs that I've been to, and I've been to a lot of programs."

Vernon High School ROTC presented the colors, the middle school band played several songs and several students gave speeches.

But Harcus said this year was particularly special because his grandson got to participate in the ceremony by introducing him during the local veteran's recognition portion of the celebration.

"I'm proud of him every day, 8th grader, John Harcus, told us. "He served to make our country free."

Dylan Costales felt that same pride when he introduced his father, also a U.S. Air Force Master Sargent, Frederick Costales.

"I'm planning to be a pilot in the air force when I grow up," Dylan said.

His father, added, "I'm a real proud father. One of the main things was, 'don't do it because your dad's in the United States Air Force, do it because you want to'. I think he has a good since of what he owes his country and basically is passing the torch."

Dylan was not the only one planning to take on the torch. "I've considered going into the Navy," John Harcus told us.

"What does it feel like to know he's considering that same type of career," we asked his grandfather, Billy.

"I say go for it," he said. "You know I've got another grandson, his brother, who's in army boot camp right now."

During his career in the Air Force, Harcus said he toured over 60 different countries.

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.